Refereeing Ice Hockey: Understanding the Keeping the Puck in Motion Rule

One rule that an ice hockey referee must understand is the keeping the puck in motion rule. This is a very import rule in the game because without it, the game would move at a far slower pace and would be much less interesting to spectators. The rule states that the puck must be kept in motion at all times. For example, a player cannot intentionally freeze the puck along the boards in an attempt to run down the clock.

If two or more ice hockey players are fighting for possession of the puck along the boards, then play will be allowed to continue. However, if a player accidentally falls on the puck and covers it up, then the referee will stop play and a face off will take place. This is done in an effort to prevent players from being injured by sticks or skates while they are lying on the ice. If a player intentionally falls on or covers the puck, then the referee will assess a two minute minor penalty to the offending player for delaying the game.

Another reason why an ice hockey player may receive a two minute minor delay of game penalty is if he or she freezes the puck with any part of his or her body or stick along the boards. For example, this means if one team has a penalty and is playing shorthanded, then a player from that team cannot attempt to run time off of the clock by tying the puck up against the boards. This becomes a legal play as long as they are constantly moving, but when the player stops movement and purposely tries to cause a stoppage in play, then a delay of game penalty will be assessed by the referee.

Another rule that is in place in some hockey leagues is that players that have possession of the puck beyond their defending zone are not allowed to bring it back into the defensive zone. While this play is illegal when playing at full strength, it becomes legal when playing shorthanded. This rule is very rarely enforced and many players are not even aware of it.

Sources:

USA Hockey
Hockey Helmet